U.S. patent number 4,432,368 [Application Number 06/277,940] was granted by the patent office on 1984-02-21 for automatic electrode placement device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Wallant International Trade, Inc.. Invention is credited to Allen S. Russek.
United States Patent |
4,432,368 |
Russek |
February 21, 1984 |
Automatic electrode placement device
Abstract
A device for placement against a body and for loacting at least
one electrode at predetermined portions of a body includes a first
portion having at least one electrode thereon, said at least one
electrode overlying at least two stimulation points on the body of
a wearer, and electrical connectors coupled to the first portion
for electrically connecting the at least one electrode to an
electrical signal receiving and/or generating device. The device is
removably secured to the body of a wearer with a predetermined
automatic orientation relative to the body of a wearer so that the
at least one electrode is properly located adjacent a body portion
of the wearer to overlie said at least two stimulation points. A
locating device is provided on the device for positively placing
the device relative to a predetermined body portion of the wearer
to insure proper electrode placement against the body.
Inventors: |
Russek; Allen S. (Medford,
NY) |
Assignee: |
Wallant International Trade,
Inc. (New York, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
26885903 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/277,940 |
Filed: |
June 26, 1981 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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190242 |
Sep 24, 1980 |
4381012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/382; 600/390;
607/149; 600/393 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N
1/0484 (20130101); A61N 1/22 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61N
1/22 (20060101); A61N 1/20 (20060101); A61B
005/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/639,644,783,791-793,798,799,802 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Petrucelli et al., "A Seriel to Parallel . . . Tens Pain
Suppression", Proceedings of 7th N.E. Conf., 22-23 Mar. 1979 pp.
388-390. .
Tens-Pac, Instructions for use, Model D, Catalog no. 1010-0001
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator, Dow Corning
Wright..
|
Primary Examiner: Cohen; Lee S.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Frishauf, Holtz, Goodman and
Woodward
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 190,242, filed Sept. 24,
1980, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,012 the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
I claim:
1. A device for continuously fixed automatic anatomically correct
placement of at least one electrode means against one or more
predetermined portions of a body, said at least one electrode means
being adapted to transmit electrical signals, said device
comprising:
a substantially non-stretchable first portion adapted to be placed
against a body portion of a wearer, said first portion having at
least one electrode means at at least one electrode receiving
position thereon;
means for electrically connecting said at least one electrode means
to an electrical signal generating and/or signal receiving
device;
touch-type locating means on said first portion and being
cooperable with a given body portion of a wearer, said given body
portion of the wearer having touch locatable characteristics, for
positively automatically locating said device relative to said
given body portion of the wearer, said at least one electrode means
being a corresponding substantially fixed distance from said
locating means so as to be adjacent said one or more predetermined
body portions of the wearer each and every time the device is
mounted to the body of the wearer, said one or more predetermined
body portions being substantially fixed distances from said given
body portion which last mentioned fixed distances are substantially
the same as respective first mentioned fixed distances; and
means for removably securing said first portion to the body of the
wearer with said touch-type locating means adjacent said given body
portion of the wearer and with said at least one electrode means
adjacent to said one or more predetermined body portions of the
wearer;
said locating means comprising means for locating and abutting the
sacro-coccygeal joint of a wearer.
2. The device of claim 1 comprising at least two of said electrode
means, each of which is adapted to be placed against a respective
predetermined body area of the wearer which is located at or near a
nerve root of the body.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of said
electrode means, each of which is mountable to said first portion
so as to overlie at least one predetermined body area which is
located at or near a nerve root of the body of the wearer.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said locating means comprises a
generally triangular member having a raised portion thereon for
abutting the sacro-coccygeal joint of the wearer.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein said electrode means overlie at
least points PE1-PE4 on said device with the following locations
relative to the sacro-coccygeal joint locating means;
points PE1 and PE2 will be centered about 21/8 inches from around
the midline (spine), horizontally and about 41/4 inches above the
sacro-coccygeal joint locating means;
on a horizontal plane, points PE1 and PE2 will be about 41/4 inches
apart;
points PE3 and PE4 will be centered about 31/4 inches from around
the midline, horizontally, and about 21/4 inches above the
sacro-coccygeal joint locating means, vertically; and
on a horizontal plane, points PE3 and PE4 will be about 61/2 inches
apart.
6. A device for continuously fixed automatic anatomically correct
placement of at least one electrode means against one or more
predetermined portions of a body, said at least one electrode means
being adapted to transmit electrical signals, said device
comprising:
a substantially non-stretchable first portion adapted to be placed
against a body portion of a wearer, said first portion having at
least one electrode means at at least one electrode receiving
position thereon;
means for electrically connecting said at least one electrode means
to an electrical signal generating and/or signal receiving
device;
touch-type locating means on said first portion and being
cooperable with a given body portion of a wearer, said given body
portion of the wearer having touch locatable characteristics, for
positively automatically locating said device relative to said
given body portion of the wearer, said at least one electrode means
being a corresponding substantially fixed distance from said
locating means so as to be adjacent said one or more predetermined
body portions of the wearer each and every time the device is
mounted to the body of the wearer, said one or more predetermined
body portions being substantially fixed distances from said given
body portion which last mentioned fixed distances are substantially
the same as respective first mentioned fixed distances; and
means for removably securing said first portion to the body of the
wearer with said touch-type locating means adjacent said given body
portion of the wearer and with said at least one electrode means
adjacent to said one or more predetermined body portions of the
wearer;
said locating means comprising means for locating said first
portion such that said at least one electrode means is located
vertically between the midline of the spine and a pain site on the
wearer, and horizontally directed toward the outer body areas of
the wearer or to the upper muscular skeletal body section of the
wearer.
7. A device for continuously fixed automatic anatomically correct
placement of at least one electrode means against one or more
predetermined portions of a body, said at least one electrode means
being adapted to transmit electrical signals, said device
comprising:
a substantially non-stretchable first portion adapted to be placed
against a body portion of a wearer, said first portion having at
least one electrode means at at least one electrode receiving
position thereon;
means for electrically connecting said at least one electrode means
to an electrical signal generating and/or signal receiving
device;
touch-type locating means on said first portion and being
cooperable with a given body portion of a wearer, said given body
portion of the wearer having touch locatable characteristics, for
positively automatically locating said device relative to said
given body portion of the wearer, said at least one electrode means
being a corresponding substantially fixed distance from said
locating means so as to be adjacent said one or more predetermined
body portions of the wearer each and every time the device is
mounted to the body of the wearer, said one or more predetermined
body portions being substantially fixed distances from said given
body portion which last mentioned fixed distances are substantially
the same as respective first mentioned fixed distances; and
means for removably securing said first portion to the body of the
wearer with said touch-type locating means adjacent said given body
portion of the wearer and with said at least one electrode means
adjacent to said one or more predetermined body portions of the
wearer;
said locating means comprising means on said device for positively
and automatically locating and abutting at least one iliac crest of
the wearer.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein said locating means comprises
sensing means on said device for creating a sensual feeling to the
wearer when located against the body of the wearer to facilitate
location and orientation with respect to the iliac crest of the
wearer.
9. The device of any one of claims 1, 6 or 7, wherein said at least
one electrode means comprises at least one electrode having a
predetermined shape and size for distributing the energy of an
electrical signal to a predetermined area of the body of the
wearer.
10. The device of any one of claims 1, 6 or 7, wherein said first
portion comprises a belt-like member which includes means for
opening and closing same for removal and attachment from and to the
body of a wearer.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein said belt-like member is at
least partially of elastic material for secure maintenance of the
first portion with respect to the body of the wearer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an automatic electrode placement device
for automatically placing and securing electrodes for
transcutaneous nerve stimulation, monitoring of body functions,
etc. at predetermined sites, such as sites located over or near a
nerve root or dermatome.
At present, transcutaneous nerve stimulation (hereinafter referred
to as TENS) to relieve pain is carried out by placing electrodes on
specific body portions of the patient. The precise locations of the
electrodes is critical for best results. When using a TENS device
in connection with management of pain, it is time consuming and
difficult for a practitioner to locate the electrodes at proper
points on the patient to provide the desired pain relieving
results. Moreover, after the patient leaves the practitioner's
office, and takes the TENS device home, it is extremely difficult
for the patient, using present-day devices and electrodes, to
locate by himself the correct locations for placement of the
electrodes to provide best pain relieving results. Particular
considerations apply with respect to the shoulder, neck, upper and
lower back areas and other areas of the body which are neither
visible nor normally accessible for self placement of the
electrodes, especially for people who are in pain and who may have
limited body movement capabilities.
The term "electrode" is used herein to describe an "electrical
conduction means" for applying electrical stimulation to a body or
for receiving electrical signals from the body when it is in
contact with a body portion. Any type of electrical conduction
device can be used as an electrode, as desired.
It is extremely difficult for the patient to secure the electrodes
at the proper location sites. Current practice is to utilize
adhesive tape patches over the electrodes, adhesive coated
electrodes or strips of adhering paper using 3M adhesive
preparations trademarked Dermacil and Micropore.RTM. which adhere
to the skin. The electrodes must be secured for many hours since
the devices are used intermittently throughout the day and
transported by the patient connected to the body. Suction cup and
other self adhering electrodes will not remain attached to the body
for necessary time periods. When using TENS and related electronic
devices, the patient is cautioned against continued use if skin
rash or irritation is caused by the adhesive. The present invention
eliminates the need for adhesives and possible side effects from
their usage.
In some cases, it is difficult for the practitioner to even find
the proper locations for placement of the electrodes on the
patient's body. The present invention has been designed to obviate
or reduce this difficulty.
While the above description is given with respect to TENS devices,
similar considerations also apply for various other electronic
devices requiring electrode placement at specific body locations.
Throughout the following specification, only TENS devices will be
discussed, it being apparent that various other electronic devices
which require electrode placement on the body are within the scope
of this disclosure.
The object of the present invention is to provide a device which
permits automatic accurate and easy location of electrodes on the
body of the patient for use with, for example, TENS devices or
other electronic devices requiring continuously secure and accurate
electrode placement against the body of a patient. It is also an
object that the patient can repeatedly achieve such accurate
electrode placement after leaving the practitioner's office.
A further object of the invention is to provide such a device which
enables electrodes to be accurately located at specific body
locations in a simple, repeatable and expedient manner.
A further object of the invention is to provide such a device which
enables a great variety of electronic stimulation points to be
selected so that the device may be used for multiple purposes.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a device
which is simple in construction reliable, long lasting easily
adjustable and which may be laundered or otherwise cleaned so as to
keep it in a sanitary condition. It may be made of one or more
parts which may be easily detached from each other.
Still another object is to provide an automatic electrode placement
device with electrodes mounted at fixed points and which will
provide proper electrode placement for virtually all adults,
regardless of size or weight, thereby eliminating the requirement
of determining electrode placement for each individual being
treated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A device for continuously fixed automatic anatomically correct
placement of at least two electrodes against a plurality of
predetermined areas of a body, comprises: a first portion adapted
to be placed against a body portion of a wearer, the first portion
having at least two electrodes for overlying the plurality of
predetermined body areas; means for electrically connecting the
electrodes to an electrical signal generating and/or signal
receiving device; means for removably securing the device to the
body of the wearer with the at least one electrode adjacent to the
one or more predetermined body portions of the wearer; and locating
means thereon for positively and automatically locating the device
relative to a given body portion of a wearer such that said
electrodes overlie the predetermined body areas. In a preferred
arrangement, the locating means comprises means for locating and
abutting the sacro-coccygeal joint of a wearer, the location of the
points overlied by the electrodes being related to the
sacro-coccygeal joint of the wearer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a view of the inside portion of a belt-like device for
use in locating electrodes in the vicinity of the lower back;
FIG. 1A is an exploded sectional view of the portion designated
1A--1A in FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a typical electrode for use with the
device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an outside view of the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of the connector portion of FIGS.
1 and 3, showing the device connected to a TENS device;
FIG. 5 is a partial inner view of a modified device;
FIG. 6 is a rear view of the lower back portion of a person showing
the anatomical locations for predetermined electrode placement for
TENS stimulation;
FIG. 7 illustrates a belt arrangement for locating the electrodes
at the predetermined electrode placement points shown in FIG.
6;
FIG. 8 illustrates a locating device of FIG. 7 in greater
detail;
FIGS. 9,9a and 9b illustrate, respectively, top, end and side views
of a sacro-coccygeal centering device of the invention;
FIG. 10 illustrates a modification of the invention; and
FIG. 11 illustrates yet another modification of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a belt-like electrode placement device 1
disclosed in Ser. No. 190,242, is made of a fabric which is
preferably washable and/or dry cleanable. Secured at one end of the
fabric is a hook-type Velcro connector 2, the hooks of which face
inwardly of the garment. At the other end of the garment is a
loop-type Velcro fastener material 3, on the outer side of the
garment, for adjustable connection with the hook-type Velcro
fastener portion 2.
Located centrally of the device is a locator portion 4 which may be
a stiffened and/or protruding portion as shown in FIG. 1A. This
locating portion 4 is provided so that the patient may align same
with, for example, the spine, thereby insuring that the device is
properly located on the body of the patient each time it is used,
so that electrode placement will be consistently repeatable.
Locating portion 4 in FIGS. 1 and 1A comprises a fabric or other
filler member 20 located between layers 21, 22 of the belt, seams
23 keeping the members in relative position. The locating portion 4
may protrude inwardly (FIG. 1A) and/or outwardly of the device.
Locating portion 4 may instead comprise a rough, but non-irritating
fabric portion or layer which is placed and located against, for
example, the spine. In this case it is not necessary for portion 4
to protrude.
The central inner portion of the device includes a further
loop-type Velcro fastening area 5 on which electrodes are to be
placed at various specified locations. The drawing illustrates six
locations I-VI. It should be clear that more or fewer specified
electrode placement locations could be provided, six being shown
merely by way of example. The six locating areas are preferably
visually designated on the Velcro area 5, for example by imprinting
or other technique, so that the patient and physician will be able
to precisely locate the electrodes thereon. The indicated electrode
locations apply to substantially all or most body configurations.
Alternatively, the Velcro portion 5 may be provided in a blank
state, the physician outlining or marking the specified electrode
locations, for example with a marking pen, or the like, after the
specific locations for a given patient have been determined. This
need only rarely be done since the pre-indicated locations are
correct for almost all people. The six locations are generally used
in pairs, two cooperating electrodes being used in respective
pairs. For example, two electrodes placed at respective locations I
and II may constitute a pair, electrodes at respective locations
III and IV may constitute a pair, etc. For dual channel TENS
devices, two pairs of electrodes may be simultaneously used.
The belt of FIG. 1 has electrical wires 8-13 extending
therethrough, between fabric layers 21,22, the electrical wires
extending out in FIG. 1 through grommets 6,7. Other techniques for
passing the wires through the belt could be used, as desired and as
expedient in specific applications. The wires 8-13 each have
respective plugs 8'-13' at the ends therefor for connection with
electrodes such as electrode 14 which is shown in greater detail in
FIG. 2. Electrode 14 is a conventional type of electrode made of
electroconductive flexible preferably rubber-like material and
having a receptacle 15 therein for receiving a plug such as plug
10' as shown in FIG. 2. Electrodes of the type generally shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated in the trade as, for example, flexible
carbon electrodes. Such electrodes are from, for example, Uni-Patch
Inc., Wabash, Minn. The electrode 14 also has hook-type Velcro
fasteners 16,17 on the rear surface thereof for adjustable
engagement with the loop-type Velcro surface 5 so that it may be
adjustably placed any way on surface 5. Fasteners 16,17 may be sewn
onto electrodes 14, or may be attached by an appropriate adhesive.
Any desired number of electrodes 14 may be used, depending upon the
treatment desired and the capacity of the electronic device, such
as a TENS device, to which the electrodes are connected. Only one
electrode 14 is illustrated in FIG. 1 for ease of illustration.
As shown in FIG. 3, the wires 8-13 pass through the grommets 6,7
and extend between the fabric layers 21,22 of the device. Wire
locating loops 23,24, which are preferably pieces of fabric
stitched to one or the other of fabric layers 21,22 are provided to
guide the wires 8-13 toward the end portion of the belt. The wires
8-13 extend to a plate 25 and pass therethrough so as to be fed to
an electronic device, such as a TENS device. The plate 25 has left
(L) and right (R) designations thereon, and also includes
numberings for the various wires so that they may be easily
identified for connection to the electronic input device. Details
of how the wires 8-13 are connected to the electronic device such
as a TENS device, are omitted since they are readily apparent to
those skilled in the art to which the present invention
pertains.
FIG. 4 illustrates how the wires 8-13 extend from the plate 25 and,
in the illustrated embodiment, have sockets or receptacles 28-33,
respectively at the ends thereof for connection to plugs of an
electronic device, such as a TENS device 34 for energization of
electrodes of the belt-like device. The TENS device 34 is shown
with only two electrical wires extending therefrom. However, a dual
channel device having four wires can be used, as desired.
FIG. 5 illustrates a modified device having a loop-like seamed
arrangement 40, 41 between the fabric layers so as to provide a
channel through which wires generally designated 42, 43 may pass
for connection between an electronic device and electrodes. The
wires preferably pass through a grommet 44 or other opening in the
passageways or channels 40, 41.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of the rear portion of the human body
with six anatomical locations for predetermined electrode placement
for carrying out TENS stimulation. It has been unexpectedly
discovered that these points are substantially the same for
virtually every adult patient, regardless of the size or weight of
the adult. If electrodes of sufficient size are located at the
relative points illustrated in FIG. 6, they will occupy a
stimulating proximity to the desired nerve roots or dermatomes,
regardless of the size or weight of the adult patient, since
stimulation will be directed to the course of these nerve roots and
dermatomes rather than to the electrode centering points. By
providing electrodes with centering points at substantially the
points indicated in FIG. 6, such an unexpected result will be
obtained. The points E1-E6 illustrated in FIG. 6 can be defined
relative to the sacro-coccygeal joint (see center positioning
device in FIG. 6) and/or the iliac crest.
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a belt in accordance with the present
invention for locating electrodes at specific points to cover the
points indicated in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 illustrates the locating device
for the sacro-coccygeal joint in greater detail.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, the points of reference are the
mid-line of the spine of the person and the prominence of the
sacro-coccygeal joint. In order to achieve such centering, a molded
plastic member of the shape generally shown in FIG. 9 is inserted
into a pocket 101 formed in the belt 100. The pocket is formed by,
for example, stitching a second member over the belt 100 to form a
receiving area for the plastic member shown in FIG. 9. This member
protrudes and the patient can feel it as it settles into the
gluteal cleft and covers the prominence of the sacro-coccygeal
joint. If desired, the centering member shown in FIG. 9 can be
formed of a heat deformable material so that the practitioner can
precisely mold it to fit each individual patient.
In a preferred arrangement, each electrode E1-E6 illustrated in
FIG. 8 has a diameter of about two inches and is so placed that
electrodes E1 and E2 will overlay the course of nerve roots as they
emerge from between the vertebrae. Electrodes E3 and E4 are
arranged so that they will overlay nerve roots over the lateral
borders of the sacrum. Electrodes E5 and E6 are arranged so that
they will rest on dermatomes. Preferably, the electrodes are round
and are one (1) to two (2) inches in diameter. Other sizes may of
course be used, and other shapes may be used, such as oval,
rectangular, etc.
Relative to the points of reference:
Electrodes E1 and E2 will be centered 21/8 inches from the midline
(spine), horizontally, and 41/4 inches above the sacro-coccygeal
joint.
On a horizontal plane, electrodes E1 and E2 will be 41/4 inches
apart.
Electrodes E3 and E4 will be centered 31/4 inches from the midline,
horizontally, and 21/4 inches above the sacro-coccygeal joint,
vertically.
On a horizontal plane, electrodes E3 and E4 will be 61/2 inches
apart.
Electrodes E5 and E6 will be centered 63/4 inches from the midline,
horizontally, and 7/8ths of an inch above the sacro-coccygeal
joint, vertically.
On a horizontal plane, electrodes E5 and E6 will be 131/2 inches
apart. It is emphasized that each electrode E1-E6 has a sufficient
radius to occupy a stimulating proximity to the desired nerve roots
or dermatomes regardless of the size or weight of the adult
patient, since stimulation will be directed to the course of these
nerve roots and dermatomes rather than to the electrode centering
points. If the patient is sensitive to intense electrical
stimulation, the electrodes could be made larger to overlie a
longer course of the nerve in question to disperse the total
electrical stimulation over a larger area.
When electrodes are arranged as set forth above, it has been
discovered that pain relieving effects using a TENS stimulator can
be achieved for virtually all adults, regardless of size or weight,
using the belt of the present invention, without requiring specific
and tailored electrode locating procedures by the practitioner or
by the patient.
As shown in FIG. 7, the rear or outside portion of the belt is
covered with a flap 103 using Velcro fasteners 104,105 to cover the
outside of the belt to provide a finished appearance. The inside,
or body side of the belt is as shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 illustrates a further modification of the invention
comprising only four electrodes. In FIG. 10, electrode E6'
corresponds to electrode E6 of FIG. 8; electrode E3' corresponds to
electrode E3 of FIG. 8; and electrode E5' corresponds to electrode
E5 in FIG. 8. Electrode E2' combines the functioning of electrodes
E2 and E4 of FIG. 8, and electrode E1' of FIG. 10 replaces
electrode E1, and further stimulates additional points. In the
embodiment of FIG. 10, electrode E2' covers the points covered by
the electrodes E2 and E4 of FIG. 8. In this embodiment, it is
necessary that the TENS drive device have sufficient power to
provide a sufficient signal to stimulate the desired points (E2 and
E4 in FIG. 6) using such a large electrode. Electrode E1' is large
enough to cover dermatomes in the course of the nerve passing
through point PE1 (FIG. 6).
FIG. 11 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention having
large generally L-shaped electrodes 110,111 which may be mounted to
the belt 112 in a manner similar to the previously described
embodiments. The electrodes 110,111 are large enough to cover the
stimulation points 113-118 which correspond to the points E1-E6 in
FIG. 6. In this embodiment, sufficient electrical stimulation is
applied to the electrodes 110,111 to provide a sufficient effect
over the points 113-118, thereby providing an even more simple
overall structural arrangement.
Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, it is
again noted that the center points of each of the electrodes E1-E6
are arranged so as to fall over the points E1-E6, respectively, in
FIG. 6. Since the electrodes are larger than the points of
stimulation in FIG. 6, if there is any slight error in location of
the electrodes, or variation of location of the points in any
particular person to some slight degree, sufficient coverage is
obtained. The center points of electrodes E1 and E2, when located
41/4 inches above the sacro-coccygeal joint, will also be about 1/2
inch below the highest level of the posterior iliac crest.
Electrodes E3 and E4, when located 21/2 inches above the
sacro-coccygeal joint will be about 31/4 inches below the highest
level of the posterior iliac crest. The centerpoints of electrodes
E5 and E6, when located 7/8ths of an inch above the sacro-coccygeal
joint will be about 41/8 inches below the highest level of the
posterior iliac crest. When the center positioning device shown in
FIGS. 8, 10 and 11 is located in position on the body, the various
electrodes will all be in the desired predetermined positions to
stimulate the desired nerves.
In a preferred arrangement, the height of the belt (I mention H in
FIG. 8) is preferably 6 inches. With such a belt dimension, the
following dimensions apply:
Electrodes E1 and E2--11/2" from the top of belt; 21/2" from the
mid-line of belt.
Electrodes E3 and E4--21/4" from the bottom of belt; 31/4" from the
mid-line of belt.
Electrodes E5 and E6--11/2" from the bottom of belt; 63/4" from the
mid-line of belt.
Distance from E1 To E2=41/4 inches
Distance from E3 to E4=61/2 inches
Distance from E5 to E6=131/2 inches
All points refer to the center of the electrode.
It should be clear that various size electrodes could be used.
While 2 inch diameter electrodes have been found to provide
excellent results, larger or smaller electrodes, rectangular or
square electrodes, or other shaped electrodes could be used, as
desired.
In a preferred embodiment, the sacro-coccygeal centering and
locating device illustrated in FIG. 9 has dimensions as
follows:
a=4 inches, approximately
b=23/4 inches, approximately
c=1 inch, approximately
d=13/4 inches, approximately.
It should be clear that the belt of the present invention may have
the spinal locating member 4 in FIG. 1 in addition to the
sacro-coccygeal joint locating member of FIG. 9. Alternatively, or
in addition to the other locating devices, an iliac crest locating
device can be provided, such as shown in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG.
11, locating elements 120,121 can be provided on the inner surface
of the belt and/or on the outer surface of the belt so that the
wearer can locate these members at the iliac crest. The locating
members can either be different colored areas which the wearer will
press on with his fingers and locate them at the iliac crest, or
they may be rough or otherwise textured patches or elements on the
belt which can be felt by the wearer when locating the belt with
these members at the iliac crest to properly locate same. It has
been found in practice that the sacro-coccygeal joint locating
device of FIG. 9 is easier and more convenient to use.
While the above embodiments are described with electrodes arranged
to contact body portions on both sides of the spinal column, if
desired, electrodes can be provided on only one side of the spinal
column. Additionally, if electrodes are provided on only one side
of the spinal column, the three electrodes illustrated in FIG. 6
can be replaced by a single electrode as shown in FIG. 11, or by
one or more larger electrodes which cover one or more stimulation
points, such as shown in FIG. 10. Alternatively, it is possible to
provide the device of the present invention, with the unique
locating means, with one or more electrodes arranged to contact one
or more respective stimulation points, such as the points shown in
FIG. 6.
Still further, while the invention is described with respect to a
belt-like embodiment, other arrangements could be provided, such as
a panel which has the sacro-coccygeal centering and locating
device, but which is not arranged as a belt. Such a device could,
for example, be otherwise strapped to the body, or taped to the
body.
An interesting feature of the present invention is that the points
PE1-PE6 illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings are effective points
which overlie the most superficial or accessible portions of the
deeper nerves, requiring the least amount of "penetration" or
resistance to overcome. The superficial and deep nerves can be more
heavily loaded with electrical stimuli than the cutaneous terminal
filaments and will not have a tendency to "adapt" as readily,
blocking pain in the spinothalamic tract. This is important, since
the technique used in connection with the structure of the present
invention should impart intense bombardment of electrical impulses
and excitation of the peripheral nerves without evoking a strong
nociceptor reaction. As mentioned above, any or all of the
electrode points EP1-EP6 can be stimulated, depending upon the
desired effect. In some cases, one or more stimuli points can be
more effective than others. This can be determined by the
practitioner by trial and error.
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